A Cork woman has been announced as the 2025 FBD Young Farmer of the Year, marking the first female winner in the competition’s history.
Aileen Sheehan, who is a dairy farmer in Whitechurch, was awarded the title at the 27th annual FBD Young Farmer of the Year Awards, which were held recently at the Killashee Hotel in Naas, Co Kildare.
Ms Sheehan, who was previously recognised at the Dairygold Milk Quality and Sustainability Awards in 2024, was the winner of two categories at this year’s event, taking home the title of FBD’s Young Farmer of the Year and the overall Dairy Award.
Speaking at the awards, Ms Sheehan highlighted the importance of women being visible in the agriculture sector.
“Behind every good man is a great woman, and that’s true, but we shouldn’t be behind,” said Ms Sheehan.
“It’s time for women in the agriculture sector to step forward.”
The aim of the competition is to recognise and reward the top young farmers in the country.
Entrants are judged according to a number of criteria, including farm business initiative and innovation, levels of farm efficiency and enterprise quality, farm safety and environmental protection awareness, and agricultural knowledge.